29418 - Electromagnetic Compatibility and Laboratory T

Learning outcomes

The course provides the basic knowledge of electromagnetic compatibility, with particular reference to conducted and radiated disturbances, coupling paths and guidelines to design systems which are electromagnetically compatible with their environment. Moreover, the main measurement methods and instruments used in the international and national standard framework are examined.

Course contents

Introduction to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)



Examples of EMC problems. Main sources of electromagnetic disturbances. Emission and immunity. Conducted disturbances and radiated disturbances. Typical EMC units of measurement.


Nonideal behaviour of electrical circuit components



Real lumped component models of conductors, capacitors, inductors and resistors. Resistance and inductance of conductors versus frequency. Frequency response of the impedance of real lumped components: capacitors, inductors, resistors.


Conducted emissions



Common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) conducted disturbances. Sources of conducted interference. Standards. Methods and instruments of measurement. Spectrum analyzer and EMI receiver basics. Line impedance stabilization network (LISN). Current probes. Troubleshooting conducted interference: filters, power supply, positioning of components inside the equipment. EMI Filters: insertion loss, block of CM and DM interference, filtering problems.


Radiated emissions



Model of emission for DM currents. Model of emission for CM currents. Standards. Methods and instruments of measurement. Radiated emission test sites. Troubleshooting radiated emissions.


Conducted immunity



Conducted immunity issues. Immunity testing. Disturbances in the distribution networks. Pulsed disturbances: burst, surge and test systems. Voltage variations and test systems. Electrostatic discharges. Standards.


Radiated immunity



Radiated immunity issues. Bifilar line terminal voltages induced by a uniform plane wave. Standards. Methods and instruments of measurement. Test sites. Troubleshooting radiated immunity. Basics of electromagnetic shielding.


EMC antennas



Antenna basics. Examples of EMC antennas: monopole, dipole, biconical, logperiodic and bilog antennas. Antenna factor and antenna bandwidth. Baluns.


EMC Directive 2014/30/EU



Scope and definitions. Conformity assessment procedures for electric and electronic equipment. EMC analysis flow chart.

Readings/Bibliography

C. R. Paul, Compatibilità Elettromagnetica, Hoepli, Milano, 1995.
H. W. Ott, Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, NJ, USA, 2009.

Teaching methods

Students will participate to laboratory exercises that allow them to apply the material covered in the lessons.

Assessment methods

Oral exam.

Teaching tools

Handouts of slides are available to students.

Office hours

See the website of Leonardo Sandrolini